The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal shooting in the
Sylvania Heights area this evening (Wednesday evening).

Deputies responded to the area of 217 Cypress Street a few minutes after 7:00
o'clock to reports of gunshots. Preliminary investigation has determined the victim,
Demetris Levon Rudolph, age 22 (12-12-1980), of Fort Walton Beach, was shot by an
assailant who approached on foot, then fled the scene in a blue van driven by another
individual.

A friend of the victim attempted to drive him to the hospital, but stopped a few
blocks down the road to summon aid. Rudolph was then transported to Fort Walton
Beach Medical Center by ambulance; he was pronounced dead a short time after arriving
at the hospital.

Details of the shooting remain under investigation. Anybody with information
about the incident should contact the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office at (850) 651-7400 or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 863-TIPS (863-8477).

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for more information, contact Catherine Dokey, Assistant Public Information Officer